Media Release: GRANTS TO MAKE OFFICE BUILDINGS GREENER

FROM THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MINISTER FOR WATER

DATE: Sunday, October 12, 2003

GRANTS TO MAKE OFFICE BUILDINGS GREENER - THWAITES

Developers and owners of office buildings can apply for matching grants of up to $60,000 under a new initiative to build and refurbish commercial premises in energy-saving ways, the Minister for Environment, John Thwaites said today.

Commercial buildings consume large amounts of energy and account for around 12 per cent of Victoria’s total greenhouse emissions.

“The Commercial Office Building Energy Innovation Initiative is about being smarter in the way we build workplaces, so that we improve the quality of commercial buildings and reduce the impact on the environment,” Mr Thwaites said.

“Under the initiative, developers and property owners undertaking the construction of new buildings and major refurbishments can apply for up to $60,000 to incorporate leading-edge sustainable energy design and technology in their projects.

“For technology-specific upgrades such as lighting, grants of $25,000 are available on a matching dollar basis.”

The Sustainable Energy Authority and the Property Council of Australia Victorian chapter are partners in this initiative.

The project is part of a $750,000 commitment in the Victorian Greenhouse Strategy to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

“We are working in partnership with the commercial sector to stimulate investment in high quality, energy efficient commercial property to increase the availability of sustainable office buildings in Victoria,” Mr Thwaites said.

“Developers, owners and tenants of commercial buildings participating in this initiative can reduce their energy consumption by up to 50 per cent on current typical office buildings.”

Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia’s Victorian division, Jennifer Cunich, said her association was encouraging members to take part in the project because it would provide access to world-leading technology, expertise and innovation.

“Saving energy saves the environment and saves money. It makes our businesses and projects more profitable and internationally competitive and Victoria a better place to work and live,” Ms Cunich said.

Expression of interest documents for the initiative are available at http://www.seav.vic.gov.au. Inquiries can be directed to Anna Marinovich at the Sustainable Energy Authority on (03) 9655 3265 or email commercialbuildings@seav.vic.gov.au